Family Based Immigration Applications

United States citizens and permanent residents can assist their qualifying foreign relatives in petitioning for citizenship and permanent residency in the United States. In order for a foreign relative to become a lawful U.S. permanent resident, the following general criteria must be met:

1. The foreign national applying for a visa or green card must have a relative who is either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The applicant’s relative must be able to show documentation of their status as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, as well as proof of their relationship to the applicant
2. The applicant’s relative must prove his/her financial income is 125% above the poverty line for his/her entire family, including the applicant. If the relative does not meet this financial criterion, then he/she can become a joint sponsor with another relative, or the applicant’s assets can be taken into account
3. If the applicant’s relative is a U.S. citizen, he/she must prove that the applicant is his/her:
   • Child under the age of 21 years
   • Spouse
   • Unmarried son or daughter over 21 years old
   • Married son or daughter (any age)
   • Brother or sister of U.S. citizen (if sponsoring relative is at least 21 years old)
   • Parent of U.S. citizen (if sponsoring relative is at least 21 years old)
4. If the applicant’s sponsoring relative is a U.S. permanent resident, he/she must prove that the applicant is his/her:
   • Husband or wife
   • Unmarried son or daughter of any age

If both the applicant and his/her relative meet these criteria, then the petitioning process can begin.